Keeping Up With The Jones Family

Roll Over

2012-01-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

TWO post in a single day?

Trying to get the babies to roll over on camera.

Not successful, but suuuuuure cute!

You see those bird pictures sitting on the floor?

They've been there for over a year.

Just sitting.

I'm lame!

FYI: the red spots on Courtney's head and chest are called Hemangiomas. They are little tumors caused by a collection of blood vessels. They are harmless and our Pediatrician is confident they will have disappeared by themselves by the time she is two.

BONUS:

Someone loves dressing up!

An Introduction

2012-01-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Courtney Ann Jones.

A.K.A: Cranky Courtney, The Crank, The Crankster, Courtney Girl

Why do they call me this, you ask?

Well, I will just let this picture speak for itself...

I cry. A lot. But whatever. It's just how I roll.

Just hold me all the live long day (you'd better be standing up!)

and you won't hear a peep out of me unless I am really tired or hungry.

But I do have my good moments,

a girl's gotta throw her Mama a bone once in a while.

I am just so cute! (And tiny compared to my other siblings.)

Everyone loves me to pieces regardless of what I do or how I act.

~~~~~~~~

Hello! My name is Adam Everett Jones.

AKA: Good Boy, Bubbas, The Bubs, Adam Boy

I am such a good baby.

I smile, play with my feet, and make cute baby boy noises.

But, hey, just don't come between this boy and his milk!

That really gets me riled up and nothing else will do.

I will also admit, there are times when I just really need some snuggles and

my Mama is always happy to give her boy what he needs.

My sister and I have been trying oatmeal and it's not too shabby!

I have been a little reluctant to eat (see previous conversation about milk)

but I am catching on.

We love being twins and growing up together!!!

A converstion with a 3 year old.

2012-01-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

While rubbing Madeleine's tummy and giving her kisses:

Mommy: I love your tum-tum!

Madeleine: I wuv you backy-back!

Mommy: I love your tum-tum!

Madeleine: I wuv you army-arm!

Mommy: I love your tum-tum!

Madeleine: I wuv you weggy-weg!

Mommy: I love your tum-tum!

Madeleine: I wuv you forehead!

Mommy: I love your tum-tum!

Madeleine: I wuv you water!

Mommy: My water?

Madeleine: Yep!

And with that she was off to find something else more interesting.

I love this kid...for reals.

Month Five

2012-01-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

Time is literally flying by!

Five months has come and gone in a flash

it's so exciting and heartbreaking.

We really did have a great Winter Break.

The girls played and got along for the most part

and we got out of the house most days.

Five days (including Christmas) was spent with our friends in

Santa Fe. That trip will get it's own post.

While Noelle is at her ballet class, we usually walk the neighborhood.

This day these two love bugs snoozed in the stroller.

This one ran ahead, stomped snow piles, and snacked on oranges.

While Noelle painted her little sissy's toenails...

This little sissy looked on and can't wait for the days

when she gets to join in on all the fun.

Our ward had a super fun Santa Activity!

Noelle and the babies were happy to sit on the Jolly Old Man's lap.

Noelle told him that she wanted A LOT of Littlest Pet Shop's under the tree.

Madeleine wanted nothing to do with him.

"I no care of I don't get a bike. I don't wike him."

The girls had so much fun...

they never stopped moving!

Except for a little Pin the Nose on Reindeer...

Noelle helping a sister out...

Someone cut her hair.

I went looking for her and peeked in

the office, there she was cutting away.

Oh.My.Gosh. Please NO!

She assured me all was well because she

put a towel around her body to keep the hair off.

Luckily, shorter hair suits her well enough.

We have several more cuts to get all the 'holes'

matched up. No doubt, all scissors are out of reach.

Look at my little bath time helpers!

Bathing all four of them is a lot for this Mama.

Especially the babies. The other one is always screaming mad.

So, I just put a washcloth on each of the girls laps,

and they held a baby while I lathered and rinsed them.

Not perfect, but it worked!

I finally decided going out and getting a real Christmas tree

wasn't going to happen so we dug out the old ghetto fake one in the garage.

I was the only one who had a problem with that thing, so I guess it was fine

The girls were so much fun, we loved every second of it!

Given the ugly tree, I kept all my pretty and special ornaments wrapped up.

This little stinker could not be trusted...

Mama stayed up late getting 26 stocking stuffers ready for Noelle's class.

Reindeer Feed

Caution! May cause flight in reindeer!

(bags are actually filled with this)

Noelle's class party was a perfect definition of organized chaos.

26 kindergartners, parents, siblings, it's a lot!

I always leave there feeling like I need a Valium.

But Mrs. Berglund keeps it all together and am so glad she invites us.

Big sisters having fun and baby sister's expense.

I am sure there is A LOT of this in our future.

We had some cold afternoons and the park.

We have to burn all the energy off somehow!!

Noelle always plays, plays, and plays some more.

We didn't have gloves for this baby girl and she was not happy about it.

These two stayed snuggie and warm.

We finally got around to making Christmas Cookies.

Noelle begged for three solid days.

Had fun at Wednesday half priced bowling.

After Christmas it was finally some one's birthday!

YEA!!!!!

We kept things low key because she was getting a

big party in a couple weeks.

After a fun day playing at home and watching unlimited cartoons,

Daddy came home early and we headed out to eat at Red Robin.

She loved them singing to her and eating her sundae.

Someone else had a her own love affair with Mac & Cheese...

Then we went home for cake.

Another child persuaded by Daddy to get a Costco cake.

She thought it was fantastic.

After a completely uneventful New Years weekend,

Daddy got to have Monday off, too!

After a yummy lunch at Chipotle (Yesssssssss!)

We went to the Zoo to renew our passes.

It was a great family day.

And these two got cereal for the first time.

Big fat fail. They hated it!

Just for a little bonus...

clean and smelling divine after a morning bath.

Some More of Month Four...

2012-01-14T03:21:00.000-08:00

I missed some pictures last time that are just too good to pass up.

Something we love about Courtney is when you talk to her, she looks at you.

And I mean looks. She is locked in on you and hangs on your every word.

This morning while Daddy sat on the edge of the tub and put his shoes on,

she was dialed right in. And look at her little toes.

She's always rubbing her little feet together or against her blankets.

She's even gotten little sores on them!

And can you say teething?

We love their sweet soft bodies.

They'd be in nothing but diapers all day, every day

if were up to their Mama.

That way I could nibble them whenever I wanted!

And without warning someone usually crashes and burns.

This morning it was Bubbas.

"Give me milk now!"

Here they are with Kelsi's blankets.

Lucky me!

Month Four

2012-01-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

Let me just start out with a HUGE shout out to Heather (aka KickButtMommy) for suggesting I use Picasa to upload my photos, don't know why I didn't think of it.

But, indeed, I do believe it is saving my sanity!

Welcome to Month Four!

These two little sugar lumps are just too sweet for words.

Noelle wanted to take pictures and they turned out pretty cute.

My lense is broken and, therefore, I cannot properly meter my pictures.

Come February and we get out tax return...

I get a new one!

Pictures will hopefully improve.

After the babies she turned the camera on us. :)

Courtney girl is not the most 'smiley' baby.

And she cries. A lot.

But here I got lucky!

Doing a little tummy time.

Someone decided she'd rather chew on her hands.

Noelle is the most wonderful little Mommy.

She is crazy about her babies and helps her Mama so much.

♥ my sweet, special girl.

Look!!!

It's me! For real. I am not a figment of your imagination.

I hate that there are so few pictures of my with my kids.

I am working on it.

Regardless of how I look now, I will look at these pictures in

20 years I will long for the old me.

One morning the power was out...so we took pictures.

Here's a motion shot.

Sorry if it grosses you out. I think it's funny!

And sang and danced and all other sorts of fun.

After taking the babies for their 4 month shots,

we ran over to the school to join Noelle for their Thanksgiving feast.

Here she is with her friend Emilee.

Me again!

With my little Cranky just where she likes to be,

Attached to Mama!

Daddy came home with a huge cake,

And let the girls eat it on the floor.

In their pajamas.

After they brushed their teeth.

With fake knives.

Such a mess. Ugh.

My handsome, handsome son.

Let me tell you how unprepared I was for the love of my boy.

Everyone told me, but until you experience it...

And my darling Courtney girl.

I think of her as my bonus.

Mrs. Berglund also put on her own Thanksgiving feast.

Cornbread muffins and vegetable soup, the kids made themselves!

Noelle was devastated that I had to leave before we ate,

but the babies were done. At least we got to see the songs

that she practiced and practiced.

Here is our Thanksgiving table.

Several families from our ward got together and we had our meal at the church.

So paper goods it was. :)

The food was yummy (albeit a little cold) and the kids loved having free

reign of the entire building to run, play basketball, and whatever else...

Not sure I will do it again though. Ha!

The Drakes brought kids Thanksgiving Bingo, complete with toys.

Such a great idea, it was a huge hit.

The next day was someone's birthday!

So excited to be THREE!

After a breakfast of what they call 'oven pancakes'

off to the nail salon we went.

She loved getting pampered,

although it was hard to stay still.

After a late lunch of her requested

Pizza and bread sticks we headed over to

Itz for some games and fun.

Then finally home for cake.

The Bakers joined us. Steph was home with napping babies

The Bakers have 18 month old boy/girl twins.

It's fun!!!

Madeleine was insistent on a pink dinosaur cake from Costco,

rather than Mommy making her one.

Ya, I am sure Daddy had a little bit to do with that.

I love my sweet Madeleine.

She sure keeps me on my toes but

I am eternally grateful that I get to be her Mommy.

We started off the holiday season by decorating a gingerbread house.

It sat there for two days and I thought the anticipation would kill them.

Then there's the not being able to pick off all the candy and eat it.

Early December brought us our big first snow!

And along with it 3 whole days off of school.

Just one more post and we'll be all caught up.

Thanks for sticking with me. ♥

Month Three (part II)

2012-01-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

Face painting from the State Fair...

They were in heaven!

Morning jammies!

Got Noelle out the door to school and came back to this...

Madeleine and Britton at Carter's baptism lunch.

Wouldn't they have the cutest blue eyed babies together?

Balloon Fiesta!

By far my favorite time of year around here.

It always begins the first Saturday in October and goes until the following Sunday.

8 whole days of balloons!

We got everyone bundled and loaded in the car way before the sun came up.

Noelle's very favorite is the bee family.

There is every type of balloon you cannot even imagine!

Too bad the winds picked up and they all just had to deflate.

Such a disappointment. :(

The second weekend Grandma and Grandpa Jones came for the babies' blessing.

We went to the last glow of the Fiesta but got stuck in traffic, had to park really far away,

and got there just to see the last few light up and everyone start taking everything down.

Another disappointment! But what we did see was beautiful.

But, Sunday morning the wind was in our favor.

All the balloons were blowing right in our direction.

This picture does not even do it any sort of justice...

hundreds of balloons flying right over our house!

Everyone is always so friendly up in the sky,

they all wave and say, "Good Morning!"

Then we were off to church where Aaron got to bless two babies.

Talking about amazing.

There are times where I can't help but wonder who's idea this was...

it's so hard!

But more often times I wonder why I am so blessed.

That afternoon we met up at the park with our great friends

and had a wonderful lunch.

The food was yummy, the company was great,

the kids ran around having a blast without restrictions.

Best of all?

I did not have to clean before everyone came

and again once they left!

Month three also included lots of smile, coos,

and conversations with Daddy.

When Daddy has to spend nights away from home we

pile on the big bed and do bed time together!

And just because he I can never get enough of his cute face.

I need to figure a way to make them stop growing!

The babies also got their first bottles.

It was a hard day, honestly, a really hard few days

and I thought the exhaustion would do me in.

The babies had been nursing all afternoon and were so unhappy.

I had somehow gotten dinner on the table,

but now the sink was full, the counters dirty,

and I was about to lose it.

So, I gave in and used some of the formula samples...

I cried the whole time.

But, this little ray of sunshine lightened my heart.

"Mama! These bottle things are soooooo cool!"

The tooth fairy also came. Twice!!!!

The bottom teeth had already started to grow in before the others fell out,

so no gaps in her smile as of yet.

But the top two are loose and should come out soon.

The babies had their first hotel stay.

Daddy had some work in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

He hates leaving us and since there was no school that Friday, we tagged along.

Then went to explore the town.

Once again with a dead camera battery.

Ugh!

The fall colors were stunning and

we had fun exploring the town while Daddy finished.

October is also when we get to visit Noelle's ballet class.

Because it's in Miss Carrie's loft area that she turned into a ballet studio,

there is not room for visitors, so once a year Mommies get to go watch.

She's a perfect ballerina!

We're getting there! Month four and we'll be caught up and I can start blogging in real time.

Yea!!!

Month Three

2012-01-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

We have arrived at month three!!!

And everyone was not just surviving but dare I say thriving?

I love October...the holidays are on their way. YEA!

Although...this year the thought of all the

decorating, baking, costumes, gifts, etc.

made me just a wee bit nervous.

Here are some highlights of our month (not in chronological order.)

We read them books...

Quite a bit of time was spent just looking at their stunning faces.

HALLOWEEN!

We got to celebrate it in so many ways...

Had friends over for a hot dog roast and making caramel apples.

Ward Trunk or Treat

Costume dress up at Ballet

Halloween jammies were a huge hit!

The babies' jammies glowed in the dark and I did not realize this...

First time they wore them and woke up

at night, I had a little giggle.

Pumpkin Patch fun.

When we got there I realized my camera battery was dead.

This one from my phone was it. Darn.

Sysco bowling party...

We had a blast just like last year.

The girls even won 2rd place in the costume contest!

Finally Halloween came, after soup and rolls with friends...
(missed doing it with you, Neighbor ♥)

Trick or Treat time it was!

Like it or not...these two were there, too.

One night the Ehats called, "Send the girls out right now!"

Chris had rented a a limo for their anniversary and took the family out for frozen yogurt.

Then they came back to the neighborhood and picked up friends for a dance party.

The limo driver said it was by far the most fun he has ever had at work!

Everyone else just uses him as a DD.

We went to the New Mexico State Fair!

$20 to get in.

$11 so Aaron and Noelle could get on ONE ride.

$15 for face paining we washed off before bed.

$5 bag of kettle corn (value of the day).

And here is where I accidentally deleted all of the other 15 photos.
That I spent 45 precious minutes getting (sort of) formatted.
I could run screaming through the streets.

To Be Continued.....

Month Two

2012-01-06T08:03:00.001-08:00

Would you think less of me if I said month two was pretty much a blur, too?
I love taking care of them but when there is nothing that really distinguishes your days from your nights, you sort of lose track of yourself. Seeing 1am...2am...3am...4am...5am is not pretty. Take it from me.

Just like their older sisters these babies love, love, love the bath.
Madeleine used to fall asleep, too

We got packages from those we love with sweet, soft clothes.

Thanks, Ruthie!

Enjoyed every single second of a fall rain storm.

Such a treat in the Land of Enchantment.

Although, they love the bath. They despise getting out.

*Shiver*

Both of the babies were so much fussier than their sisters as brand new babies.

It was hard. Really hard.

The baby blues and anxiety would get to me at times.

Since I could not get myself some retail therapy or spa day
and they seemed to do better with fresh air,

I often would sit on the back porch and remind myself how blessed I am.

Noelle asked for a photo shoot on this particular day.

The babies loved to be swaddled and that has not changed.

No swaddle = no sleep.

Auntie M sent some really cute outfits.

Every evening I ask Aaron the question,

"Who do you want? Girls or babies?"

This night he chose the babies. ♥

One evening for Family Night we roasted hot dogs and made s'mores on our fire pit.

So very yummy....doing these kinds of things with the big girls is the best.

But, the babies screamed the whole time.

I hate having to decide who to take care of. :(

We went to Noellie's school for a family BBQ.

It is such a blessing that I am able to be home every day.
It would pain me so to miss out on all these little things.

Aaron's Grandma is the most amazing quilter. But, as she has gotten older she is not able to do what she once could. So, she recruited Aaron's Aunt Barbara to make quilts for the babies. They are unbelievable! One quilt in boy colors, the other in girl. I will treasure them forever.

Spirit week at school. Here is crazy day. Only day I got a picture. :(

We loved spending afternoons in the backyard, enjoying the wonderful fall weather.

Can I just say how much I LOVE having a landscaped backyard?!

So much better than the sand pit.

And just because she is so darn pretty...

Next up! Month three, baby blessing, and Balloon Fiesta...

Month One

2012-01-04T02:59:00.001-08:00

It's 4am, I can't sleep, and I don't have the patience to deal with blogger's unbearable formatting madness. This will have to do for now. Enjoy these precious little sweetie bums.

Let it suffice to say that the first month flew by, and I mean FLEW by in a flash.

Auntie and Unc came for a weekend.

Big sissies could not get enough of these babies. Especially, Noelle...

I had no idea what a little Mommy she would be!

Noelle is crazy about both of them.

She actually tries to love Courtney more because she's a girl.

But Adam is too irresistible.

Daddy did his fair share of snuggling!

Singing "Hush Little Baby"

Makes my heart hurt.

Love them both so much.

And someone started school! My kindergartner. Be still my heart.

Oh, how hard it was for me to send her off with Daddy. But all in all, he did a great job. She's gone every day from 9-4, with a half day on Wednesday. It's long but she does not mind a bit. We lucked out getting the best teacher in the whole school. Noellie loves every minute of being one of Mrs. Berglund's Bears.

Twice The Love

2012-01-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

Here we are January 1, 2012 and I am back at blogging. Promise. Cross my heart.

Warning...it's long and there are a couple of graphic pictures.

I thought I would rewind to the birth of our babies and then do a quick re-cap of the past few months. Nothing big, but I will do my best. So, here goes....

Let me give a little background. Adam was baby A and breech. Courtney baby B and thought she owned the joint. Head down, breech, transverse, coiled around herself, you name it. When I first found out about the twins I realized I needed to be OK with a c-section because it was likely I would have one, and I thought I was. As time went on and Adam stayed breech I started to F-R-E-A-K out about it. I started doing every thing possible. Herbs, chiropractor, crazy yoga moves, hanging off the couch, heating pads, cold packs, flashlights, visualizing, prayer. LOTS of prayer. Constant prayer. It honestly consumed me. I doubt I have prayed more earnestly about anything. If a C-section was meant to be, why was Heavenly Father not taking the desire for a natural birth from me? I prayed His will be done and the babies get here the safest way possible but I still had such a desire of going into labor and naturally delivering the babies.

I had my last full blown Ultrasound at 36 weeks. Melissa was here visiting and helping me organize closets and get things ready, she was able to come with me to the appointment. The first words out of the techs mouth were, "That baby is head down." I was cautiously overjoyed. The energy in the room was electric. She had the doctor come in to confirm because she knew what it meant to me. It felt too good to be true. His head was still high but down.

The next week on Wednesday, I saw the midwife for Group B strep and a check. I was 4 cm dilated, baby's head was still really high but that is common in subsequent pregnancies. "I can't see how he would flip again, they are so big. You are going to labor beautifully!"

Saturday (August 6). I'd been having 'signs' that the babies were coming for a couple of weeks. But things had begun to pick up since seeing the midwife. We were doing our best to keep me walking and on my feet. Getting things done around the house, last minute shopping, getting Noelle ready for the upcoming school year. That night around 6 I was sure I was having real contractions and this was the night. We hung out for a few hours, I called Stephanie. Around 9:00 I told Aaron we needed to get ready, I felt really uneasy. I took a shower while he got the girls ready, I called the doctor and she told me to come on in. Sadly, that morning when I woke up I could feel that his head was no longer vertex. I was heartbroken but did what I could to remain positive. My mantra: what will be...will be. I had received two separate sets of quilts in the mail for the babies that day. They meant so much to me. I had spent so much time and energy on being sad, I was trying to focus on the joy.

We got to the hospital, checked in, and I got changed. The nurses were so excited to have a set of twins. How big was that belly? 54 inches!!!!!

Then we met Theresa. Not assigned to be our nurse but helping while the other nurse was in a delivery. Her first words were, "So, what ward are you in?" Her husband was a bishop in a ward on the East side. And she had twins herself. She hated to make me, but I had to get in the bed to get the monitors on. Ouch! She then got me situated so I could lean over the bed and breath through the contractions while we waited for the doctor to come and get an ultrasound to check the babies' positions.

We had a special connection right away. She had asked for the day off to visit with visiting family. But while driving over there they called her back in. As she turned her car around she prayed the Lord would confirm to her why she had to work instead of seeing her brother. We were her reason. She switched patients with the other nurse so she could stay with me. Most everyone with twins always told us how hard it was, when Aaron asked her how she felt she said, "I would do it again, no doubt." It was a perfect response.

Soon the on-call doctor was there (my Dr. was out of town) and we saw right away Adam was now transverse, with his little leg hanging down into my pelvis. I was almost 6 centimeters and the bag of water was bulging. If my water broke it could be disastrous. C-section it would have to be. I sobbed. As much as I tried to prepare myself and in my heart of hearts I knew this would be the outcome, I was still overcome. After everything, this was how it was all going down. They left us alone for a while.

The doctor did another ultrasound, still transverse and looking like if he was moving at all it was breech. Waiting more to see if he would turn during labor would be dangerous. Within minutes they had me ready and walking in to the operating room.

Aaron waited outside while they did the spinal. I was so nervous for it, but it really did not hurt. Soon, Aaron was by my side.

At 1:35 AM....I was a Mommy to a baby boy.

One minute later 1:36 AM...my third baby girl.

Holy Moly. There they were.

Daddy went with them to the recovery room while they waited for me to get put back together. They were checked again and weighed. Adam Everett 6lbs 1oz. ~ Courtney Ann 7lbs 4oz.

The rest of the surgery went fine. The right side was really painful, so they gave me some medicine through the IV.

Finally, I got to meet my babies. I will never forget what Aaron looked like holding them, the look on his face. "Who's who?" He asked. I guessed wrong.

We got to spend a little time in there with Theresa. She helped me latch on both babies. They nursed great, just like their big sissies. As she filled out paperwork, her eyes filled with tears. She felt so honored to play a part in building our eternal family. Renewed hope in prayer because hers was answered that night. She felt hope as she filled out the section where it asked who was at the Mother's bedside. She rarely gets to write in 'Husband.' It's always 'baby's father' 'grandmother' 'friend.' Everyone thanked me several times for having such big, appropriate for their gestational age babies, apparently it saved them a lot of time and paperwork.

The rest of the night was kind of a blur. The pain on the right side was still strong. Aaron snoozed while the nurse came in and out. They took Courtney to the nursery for a check because she would grunt each time she breathed out, a strong indicator of respiratory distress, but she was fine.

The nurses were wonderful especially, Angela, she took such great care of us. Made me mint tea to clear the congestion from the anesthesia, helped me to the bathroom, warm sponge baths, held my hand and walked me around the unit. Claudette was the night nurse and she was wonderful, as well. After they lost more than 10% of their birth weight, we had to supplement with 5ml of formula after each feeding, for just one day. Then my milk was in and they did fine.

Angela giving Courtney her first bath. She was thrilled, obviously.

After church on Sunday Stephanie brought the girls to meet their new brother and sister. Love at first sight X 2!

I got up and walked often trying to get my strength back but the pain was crazy. And I mean crazy. Everyone said it's yucky, but it was beyond that. Way beyond. I knew it was not right. The nurses kept asking if I wanted to just take one pain pill instead of two but one did nothing. One doctor who came in for rounds was concerned about how I was feeling and that the right side of my uterus had yet to contract down. But, the doctor who did my surgery was not concerned. She thought given that the babies were so big, and I had so much fluid, it would take me longer to heal.

Wednesday evening we left for home. I post this picture because it makes me laugh. Why would that lady who took the picture not tell me my stomach was hanging out?!?!

SERIOUSLY?!?!

That afternoon my cousin Emily had flown in. She only was able to come for a couple days, but oh how I needed and appreciated her. She just took over the girls and I was able to take care of the babies. I will forever be grateful to her. Aaron worked while she was here so he could be with me the next week.

The next few days were special and awful. Again, the pain was so intense. I could barely hobble around. Aaron got a huge ladder so I could spend 15 minutes very carefully getting in and out of our really high bed.

Thursday my incision looked worse, I thought it should be healing?

Friday, I laid in bed all afternoon with the chills. Stephanie ran to the store for me to get some antibiotic cream because the right side of the incision had opened up and looked awful. Finally, we called the hospital and they told me to come in right away. I could not stand the thought of that. So, we called Brother Rohm in our ward, he is a doctor. He came right over, heaven bless him!!! The minute he look at my tummy, he asked how long it had looked like that. Not good. He said the infection looked advanced and he would call in two different antibiotics. Long story short, the medicine did it's job. Healing was long and slow. But we're all healthy and (mostly) happy.

Stay tuned for the next chapter!

More Than Doubly Blessed...

2011-03-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we had out 18 week ultrasound. The babies are PERFECT. The tech took her time and did all the measurements twice and then Dr. Gonzalez (perinatologist) came in and double checked everything and spent a great deal of time on their hearts.

Our Baby Boy

Our Baby Girl

Sweet Baby Girl in 3D

Baby boy was not very cooperative and she could not get him in 3D.

I think she absolutely has Madeleine's little button nose!

They are laying in the transverse position, across my belly, feet to feet. Baby brother pulled his feet over his head and his sister spent her time kicking and kicking him in a not so friendly spot. Stinker. :)

They both came in weighing 8oz (lower side of normal, but just fine.) One placenta is nice and high while the other is low but mostly likely will move up as the uterus stretches. To say we are doubly blessed is an understatement. I still am in awe that Heavenly Father picked us to be the parents of these perfect angels. I will be driving or doing whatever...suddenly I start thinking of them and the tears just flow. I love them so much already. Aaron is BEYOND excited, I've never seen him this way. And the two big sisters can't wait to meet their 'TWO BABIES!'

I have been feeling fine...I guess. Most of the nausea is gone and I have felt some energy coming back but about three weeks ago I started having a sore throat and my voice went hoarse. I could not imagine what it was. It was getting worse and worse. I finally saw Dr. Teicher and after some hemming and hawing he realized, "It's reflux!" He told me to take any over the counter acid reducer. Of course I turned to the trusty internet, this describes my symptoms to the T! I started Prilosec, saw some improvement but not enough, then I added Zantac (they work differently so you can pair them up), again more improvement but not enough. I finally called the Dr. again on Monday and got no call back. Called again Tuesday and there was no record of my message. I almost broke down with the nurse. I'd had enough. It would wake me at night, my kids could never understand me, and so on. He called in a prescription for Tagament. Let's hope this is it.

Tuesday night I started getting sick and I mean sick. Body aches, chills, throbbing head, stomach. Wednesday morning I just lost it and was a blubbering mess, poor Aaron had to leave me that way. I just felt like I could not handle it any more. I've felt terrible since Christmas...nausea, throwing up, exhaustion, sinus infections, flu, reflux. It was the last straw. After making such a scene, I felt a little better, and we toughed out most of the day. I finally gave in and took some ibuprofen and I felt a million times better.

Hopefully, this is it because I need to enjoy this 'honeymoon' phase!

I Haven't Died...Just yet

2011-03-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

I am sure most people have long since abandoned me and my poor blog. I feel sad that I have neglected it for so long. But I have a good excuse! Or do I? Is there a good excuse for not documenting the lives of my precious babes? Let's see what I have to share...this is gonna be long!

Christmas was wonderful! We enjoyed every minute of it. I loved being able enjoy both aspects of the holiday with the girls: the blessed birth of our Savior and the magic of Santa Claus. One of my favorite things was when we were setting up the Nativity I asked Noelle if she remembered what it was about and she answered, "Um? Something about someone named Nick?"

Our first Christmas away from family was a special time. We had friends over for Christmas Eve and then Christmas day home together as a family. Our Christmas morning will always remain one of the most special memories in my heart. We (I) missed our extended family dearly, but loved the being able to do whatever we wanted whenever we wanted to. Food, naps, playing with toys.

Christmas day was when I really noticed that my tummy felt icky and just plain weird. I didn't even cook the big Christmas dinner I'd planned. The week before I felt really run down and just thought it was all the holiday hull-a-ba-loo.

Two days later we loaded the car down and headed West to California. Auntie kept her tree up (usually that baby is out the door on the 26th!!!) and we celebrated Christmas #2. By now, I was downright nauseous all the time and I knew exactly what it was. No one who has ever experienced those feelings ever forgets it! But, I could not believe it and decided to just wait.

On the 29th, my niece, Evynn and I went to do some shopping together. I did a quick stop at the Dollar Store and asked her to just wait in the car. That night when we got home I snuck off to the bathroom with my purse and took a pregnancy test. That sucker came out positive in no less than a nano-second! This was slightly strange because I thought I was barely 4 weeks along and when I took tests with the girls well into the 5th/6th week the positive line barely showed up.

I was in a predicament (I thought) because although I felt it was time to have a baby, it was strange to not necessarily want a baby. I love babies. I love being a Mommy. And I knew I wanted more children. And Aaron in no way wanted a baby. The move, his new job, being far away from family, recovering financially from what we'd been through. It was a long ways off for him. Oh, well! The Lord had other plans for us! I could not decide when to tell him. I did not want to keep it from him, but he was enjoying his vacation, I just felt so awful already and could not figure out when to tell him. Bizarre, I know, he's my husband for crying out loud! But, it's how I felt.

The 30th was Noelle's 5th birthday. She woke up to balloons, streamers, gifts, and all sorts of festivities! We went to a nature reserve with friends, out to lunch, and had a blast. 5 seems so big, I cannot believe how the time has gone. She is so dang smart, funny, outgoing, athletic, and loving. She is the joy of my heart

Finally, on New Year's day, I told Auntie I was pregnant and started crying my eyes out. One more thing to be experienced away from everyone I love so dearly. She told me in not so many words to buck up and tell my darn husband. So, I did. And cried my eyes out again. And felt so relieved because he was actually happy!

By now I was feeling sick, sick, sick and just terrified because I was barely 5 weeks! What was in store? Evynn had stayed the week with us and had come down with a terrible flu and I was feeling that coming on, too. Not fair at all!

The trip home was mis.er.able. I felt like death, coughing, gagging, throwing up, head aches, body aches, fever, you name it. Somehow we survived it.

After talking to several people here and some research I decided what OB I wanted (major shortage around here) and called for an appointment but they could not get me in until Valentine's day. I'd be 11.5 weeks, but decided it was worth it to see someone great. I could not believe that I was not going to have my Cooper. :(

This time I experienced every pregnancy symptom known to man! With the girls I was just ridiculously nauseous and could not stand any type of food. But this time smells were killing me, constant gagging, potty all the time, I felt so sick but always felt like I needed something to eat. Usually everything sounded horrible, but sometimes I would crave a certain something and that had to be it....taco bell, Cup of Noodles, KFC mashed potatoes. I wanted to die! And almost killed myself driving to the store late one night during some horrible weather. I basically ice skated in the car for that darn Cup of Noodles. :)

Finally, the 14th arrived and we were excited! Waiting in the lobby the smell of McDonald's french fries was killing me. Aaron swears he smelled nothing but I knew somewhere in that building someone was eating those things. Ick.

The nurse was exceptionally nice (a big change from Cooper's office) and Aaron told her all would be well as long as she made sure that we did not have twins like the poster that hanging on the wall. Ha!

Then the doctor came in and my heart sank again missing Cooper. There was no booming voice coming down the hall telling people, "To hell with it all!" No hugs or kisses, no Mormon jokes, no stories about movies he saw. But, again Dr. Teicher was so dang nice, easy going and took plenty of time to talk to us about everything. He is for sure no Cooper, but I'll take what I can get. Finally, it was time to hear the heart beat, it took a minute our two and there it was, loud and strong! Always such a relief. His joke was, "Well, what I am not telling you is about the second heartbeat I hear in there. Ha! Ha!" Another bummer was no ultrasound on your first visit like Facey. But when he felt my tummy and measured my uterus, it was measuring a month ahead of where I thought I was. Now, given I wasn't planning this, I just had to guess when my last cycle was because I honestly could not remember. All joking aside he said he just thought my dates were off and there were not twins, a whole month ahead was too much for twins at this stage anyway. He ran a couple doors down to the Ultrasound tech and asked if she could squeeze me in, to make sure of dates. She said no problem and told the next people she'd be 5 minutes late. She was a little more than 5 minutes late!

The second she put the transducer on my stomach there was no mistake that there were two babies. My heart began to beat out of my chest and I thought she just had the machine on the wrong setting, split screen or something. You could tell the poor lady suddenly became nervous. Then she began mumbling that she needed to get the doctor to tell us this. She went back to change the setting and thought, "See, I was right!" Finally, you could see both of them again and Aaron burst out, "That is two babies!" And she nodded her head and asked him to step out and get the doctor. I began laughing. And could not stop. The rest is kind of a blur. Dr. Teicher came in and said all looked great. Aaron had his head in his hands mumbling who-knows-what and I just kept on laughing. She had to ask me several times to relax because she could not get the measurements. It was a priceless experience!

Apparently, my guess was off because I was actually 13 weeks. Yea! I saw the perinatologist two days later for repeat ultrasound & measurements, met with the genetic counselor, and a quick visit with the doctor (Love him too! Cute, little, chubby man with a super thick Hispanic accent and you just want to put him in our pocket and take him home.) Again, really thorough and so accommodating. Sent me home with homework, reading, and a vitamin list (it's insane!) And the weight they want you to put on early in pregnancy is out of this world, too. Don't they know I've basically been on a diet since I was 12 and learned about fat grams?! It's really unfortunate because although I HAVE to eat every three hours or get sick, nothing really tastes all that great. I have a license to pig out and can't use it. :(

We are so blessed to have this experience, there is no doubt these babies were meant to come to our family. It's overwhelming at times, but immeasurable joy at the same time.

That's enough for now. What a novel! Pictures to come.

Tuesday I see Dr. Techier. Wednesday I see the Peri for a more in depth appointment and Ultrasound.

Boys? Girls? Both? What's your guess?

Zoo & River of Lights

2010-11-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day as a family.

After a big breakfast of my awesome homemade waffles we cleaned up and the house and headed to the zoo in the afternoon.

It was great to have no schedule and no where to be.

We had yet to realized the extent of Madeleine's extreme fear of animals.

(We just thought it was the big cow that stands outside the Chick-Fil-A, but we were wrong!)

See the picture of that giraffe? He was so close!

The zoo keepers were cleaning up leaves and he was right there snacking on the leftovers.

M lost her mind over that giraffe, and the zebras, and the Rhinos, and the Lions.

Apparently, they need to be behind glass for her to enjoy them.

Then we had some bird trauma.

We were lucky enough to be there during feeding time and saw some vultures (I believe) eating rats (eeeek!), it was pretty amazing. They have these ravens that climb on their back to try and get at their food. Noelle was standing there holding onto the fence when one of the ravens came and landed right where her sweet little fingers were. Scared the daylights out of both of us!

Lastly, as we were on our way out Noelle and Daddy stopped at the potty. While we were waiting, one of the many peacocks that wonder around the zoo grounds started to approach us. I could not believe how close it was getting, then it was only inches away, then it cocked it's head to the side and nipped Madeleine's finger! I guess it was after the leftover crackers still stuck there. I had to make a fool out of myself...flailing...yelling...jumping to get the thing to scatter off.

Then we headed over to the Botanical Gardens for the annual "River of Lights."

Amazing!!! Any and every animal you could imagine was lit up. And they moved! Butterflies flew, elephants spit water, mountain lions ran across the top of fences.

The only draw back? We forgot gloves. Brrrrrr!!!

2 Years

2010-11-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

Two years ago our sweet Madeleine Grace joined our family the day before Thanksgiving. The moment she was born our eyes met and our souls spoke to each other. When Noelle saw her, it was a blissful reunion. She knew exactly who she was and was so happy to have her back.

Madeleine has brought love and happiness beyond measure to her family. And maybe a moment or two of exasperation. ;)

Here's some things going on in Madeleine's world:

Talking and talking and talking. Although, a translated is usually required.
Loves to eat. And I mean EAT. She goes at each meal as if it's her last.
I know no other child who is such a dog lover. One is in our future. Yikes.
Loves to call people. She has a short very list: Auntie, Grandma and recently added: Auntie M. Once in a while Daddy.
She is a skypeing fool.
Madeleine is a favorite in nursery at church. I am told it's because she's the only one who does not cry for Mommy & Daddy. Atta girl!
As with most siblings they have a love/hate relationship. I wish it were heavier on the love side of things.
Madeleine has no idea she is a baby. For real. She points to children older than her and says, "Oh! A baby!" She thinks there is nothing off limits to her. As in finding a stool climbing on the counter and waving large knives around.
Mess Maker should be her nickname. Blueberries, make-up, sprinkles, milk, lotion, cheese, clothes, toothpaste, shampoo, you name it...she's messed it.
Loves the potty. YEA!
Great napper, if it were not for her 2-3 hour naps, I fear I would not survive.
Our little snuggle bug, kissy girl, high fiver, and hugger.
Loves naming body parts, her own and others. Fingers, toes, teeth, eyes, oh my!

I love you so much Madeleine.

Thank you for choosing me to be your Mommy. Watching you learn and grow each day is my greatest joy. I am so excited to see what the future brings us.

Her birthday was a fun day spent at home recovering from Thanksgiving. We had yummy german pancakes in the morning, played during the day, and after nap time lots of friends came over for cupcakes. She loved every minute of it. Even the cake wreck Mommy made. It tasted way better than it looked.

Thanksgiving Love

2010-11-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

We had to cancel our trip to Idaho to celebrate Thanksgiving because the weather was terrible. And I must admit I was kind of excited! As much fun as it is to go, I knew the drive would be difficult and was looking forward to spending a holiday at home relaxing.

As soon as our friends the Ehats found out we were staying home, we got to planning! We planned an amazing meal and had such a great time at their house. They are great hosts.

The kids had so much fun together playing and making some turkeys out of apples & marshmallows and the grown-ups had some fun of their own playing card games.

Talk about FAT and HAPPY!

Our little family is blessed beyond measure.

I Love My Babies...

2010-11-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

I love their soft skin, silky hair, sweet fingers & toes, and chewable legs.

I love watching their minds work.
And their natural abilities/instincts develop.

I love watching them concentrate, learn and be creative.

I love watching them interact and build a bond only sisters can share.

I love being the one who gets to explore the world with them and the way their eyes light up when they learn.

I love seeing them forge meaningful friendships.

I love being the one who comes to school activities.

She felt so special, happy and proud that her Mommy and sister were there.

Look!

2010-11-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

...it's a Madeleine sandwich!

Although you can't tell by this picture. She LOVED it.

Ginger Snaps & Cider

2010-11-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

I thought I was sort of excited to have a real 'winter.'

But...maybe it's not as great as I thought.

When I get Noelle from the Bus or run to the store, I often just throw on a pair of flip flops and don't think about a coat.

But then....dang! It's c-c-c-cold!

This afternoon we warmed up after school by making ginger snaps and warm cider.

What could be better?

I just love my girl.

She is so dang fun and has a zest for life that would make anyone jealous.

Don't you love her noodle necklace?

Noelle thinks school is the best, best, best thing ever.

Oh, how I hope this continues!

I am excited when she gets off the bus to see what fun projects she brings home.

Goodness, I need a life!!!

Best Week...

2010-11-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

Finally...after months of anticipation...it was time for REFUGIO!

After Ballet on Wednesday we hit the road and headed HOME.

Lucky for us California was in the middle of a heat wave and that meant: fan-tas-tic weather!

After check in, we worked super fast, got camp set up and headed for the water.

Noelle was in Heaven.
It did great things for my soul to watch her.

We stayed there as long as we could.

The next morning was gorgeous again and we headed back to the beach.

Madeleine is not the beach bum her sister is...she's more about the food.

Friday after showers and we climbed in the car and headed North.

We stopped along the way and hiked to a hidden waterfall.

Loved it!

Then we arrived at our real destination. YUM!

Just as we got back from Dinner Auntie & Unc were there.

Everyone loved having them.

Unc's little snuggle bug...

We had all kinds of visitors...

Noelle was so excited to see her cousin, Marissa.

She kept hugging her while saying, "I really did missed her a lot."

Auntie M and the girls had a blast...there was a lot of tickling!

The biggest hit of the campground was the Lena.

Anytime you looked at this dog, she was getting snuggled.

Madeleine chose to sit on her, though.

Noelle loved sneaking up and chasing these little stinkers.

Here's some proof that I was there. :)

Lots of friends came to visit.

We felt so loved!

Danny brought a rocket and over two days we had fun sending that thing up.

It went so high!

A time or two someone did not get their way and a few tears were shed.

What else is new!?!

Before we knew it, Monday arrived and we had to pack it all up.

Yuck!

The kids had a blast playing while the big people worked all morning.

On one of our morning beach walks this toy washed up on the beach and from that time on Noelle and Buzz were best buds.

This post does not even show a fraction of all the fun that we had.

But, I knew I had to get something posted.

Blogger is so irritating and it takes so long.

The Lorenzens were fabulous camping partners.

Card games, camp fires, amazing meals, long talks, it was the best.

A big thanks to Auntie M, The Meldrums, The Keils, The Wildes,

and Ruthie for making the trek to come visit.

Next year we're going to get a group site if it kills me!

Then we'll all be able to camp together.

Fall Walk

2010-10-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Last night we went down to the Bosque with the Bredhauers.

The fall colors were just so beautiful!

Brittan and Noelle had the best time running, running, and running.

Oh, and picking leaves.

And some more running.

The babies were mostly happy to be snuggled in their strollers eating candy corn.

Everyone slept great last night! ;)

Let Halloween Begin...

2010-10-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Baking & Decorating Cookies.

Seriously yummy.

Costume bowling party.

Seriously fun.

Noelle's school party was today,

I was sad that I could not be here to see her off

....to make sure her costume was all set,

her hair was done,

her popcorn balls were ready....

Because I was here

http://valwestoverphotography.com/

A totally awesome photography workshop.

Possibly even better than everything I learned

about my camera and what I can do with it?

I need glasses!

YEP!

I need to get my eyes checked.

ASAP!

I've never been able to figure out what people are talking

about when they refer to metering when looking through your view finder

because I never realized there were real numbers in there.

Embarrassing and pathetic.

Solo

2010-10-23T08:33:00.001-07:00

So happy to have the bath to herself.

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Even if it means taking getting poop all over yourself.

And your bedding.

Itsy Bitsy Spider..

2010-10-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Someone came home from school today with a new version of an old favorite...

Potty Talk

2010-10-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Noelle: "Why is there a little potty in the bathroom?

Mommy: "For Madeleine to use."

Noelle: "For big kids, too!"

Mommy: "Naw! You're too big."

Noelle: "Oh."

Mommy: "Did you already use it?"

Noelle: "Er. Uh. Yeeee-ah???"

Love her to pieces!!!

Ballerina

2010-10-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Miss Carrie let the Mamas come to class and see what our little ballerinas have been learning.

She is such an amazing teacher.

I cannot believe what she has this group of 4 year olds doing.

I couldn't get enough!

Fall Is Falling...

2010-10-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

I must admit it's exciting to live in a place that

actually experiences the season, 'Fall.'

Yesterday as we were pulling out of the driveway Noelle burst out,

"Look at the tree! The leaves are falling like Ms. Rebecca said!"

(They're learning about fall and leaves at school.)

The Fall weather here is fabulous.

Cool evenings, crisp mornings, and sunshine-y 70 degree afternoons.

Next week this is supposed to change but we're enjoying it for now.

We've started baking yumming treats and cooking with the oven instead of the BBQ. ;) One of our favorite things has been these apples. Yes, it took me 4 hours to drive up there and wait in line but we've gone through 25 pounds of them in a matter of a couple weeks. I thought I'd be canning and making sauce but we've enjoyed eating them too much. Next year we know to get more!

We've been enjoying family nights at our favorite park before it starts getting dark early. These girls are so much dang fun.

Dipping caramel apples with friends.

Yummy, gooey, sticky...fun.

Safely

2010-10-13T11:04:00.001-07:00

I was running behind getting out the door for ballet this morning. I was frantically trying to dry my hair because we errands to run immediately after. I heard the beep that indicates a door has been opened but thought it was the girls going into the garage. I heard it again and thought it was them coming back in. Then all of the sudden I had this strange feeling and started to run.

I got out of the house and to the sidewalk, looked to the left, and I saw them on the corner. Noelle was prompted before I was. She started yelling, "Mommy! She was in the middle of the street!" My heart stopped beating.

We ALWAYS have the front door locked, for this very reason. I have no idea what happened. All I have done all morning is thank my Heavenly Father for keeping her safe and for sending her sister out to get her. People drive too fast down that street. I refuse to think about what could have happened.

Madeleine Grace, I love you.

Never a Dull Moment..

2010-10-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

Whether fun or not there is never a dull moment in a home with little ones. Something is always going on, someone always hungry, a chore needs to be done, personalities need entertaining. I feel the busier the better (to a degree). When we're home alone too much we all get a little crazy. Here are some recent haps:

We had a few families from our ward over for dinner.
We moved the coffee table into the hallway for the kids.
Noelle and Daddy set the table, she was pleased as punch with herself.
It was a serious Mexican food fiesta!

There were 8 adults and 11 kids.
It was like a circus and a zoo rolled into one.
Seriously fun!

If Madeleine was not right by me it's because she was eating.
Big surprise? Um, no.
Little Brittan sure enjoyed himself, too.
Homemade ice cream!

Saturday Daddy had a big surprise in store for me.
He'd gotten a refund from an overpaid bill and then
he added a little more and we went SHOPPING!
I have been beyond desperate for clothes.
I dread getting ready in the morning.
Old Navy and the Gap had some great sales,
I got a lot of stuff and feel so much better.
Of course, we had to ride the carousel.

Sunday evening the girls were going crazy and so was I.
I knew we needed some action and fast!
Funny how getting in our jammies and
getting out the popcorn maker out changes everything.
Popcorn! Butter! Parmesan Cheese!
Everyone was immediately happy.

And of course there Madeleine's total obsession with
wearing every one's clothes and shoes.
All day long I get her dressed again and pick up

everything she has strewn around the house.

Here she was digging through her sister's
dirty clothes. *sigh*

(Sorry about the HUGE pictures. By the time I realized I was not going to start over!)

Balloon Fiesta & Ruthie

2010-10-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Balloon Fiesta finally began, we've been looking forward to this since moving here!

For the opening ceremonies someone Aaron works with invited us over to see the balloons from his house. The sunrise was gorgeous but unfortunately the balloons flew the other direction and all we saw was a bunch of little specs. I kept thinking, "I got up at 5:00am for this?"

Oh well, their house was beautiful, the fire was warm, and the company fabulous. And my pumpkin cinnamon rolls? Yum-O!

Next, was home to shower and conference, and to get food ready for a little shower at the park for Casey who should have welcomed her baby boy today...

That evening Daddy went to Priesthood session of General conference, the girls and I went to pick up Ruthie from the airport. YEA! We've been anticipating her visit for weeks.

Sunday was waffles, hanging around the house, conference, a long walk. That evening we went down to the field for the evening glow but before it got dark, there were clouds, thunder and lightening. Balloons had to come down. :(

I was not on top of pictures the rest of the week.

But here are a few highlights...

Balloons from our backyard.:

A trip to Santa Fe:

Eating at Cafe Pasqual

The Basilica

Lots of cooking:

By far our favorite: Tikka Masala.

Let me know if you want the recipe!

We got up well before the Sun to see Wednesday morning's mass ascension. We got to the fields by 5:30 to see the dawn patrol take off in the dark. The dawn patrol are a few balloons who take off first to test the winds and conditions, making sure it is safe for the rest of the balloons.

Pictures cannot even remotely portray the beauty of hundreds and hundreds of balloons taking flight.

Before we knew it, her visit was over and it was time to head back to the airport. We were dipping cookies right up to the very second we walked out the door to catch her flight.

New Mexico State Fair

2010-09-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

We had a great family night at the State Fair. Aaron got a free parking pass so we decided to give it a go. Anyone who really knows Noelle, knows exactly how she feels about roller coasters...she LOVES them. We tried walking around all the booths and animals but there were an insane amount of people. It was plain crazy.

Finally, we gave up and went to the rides. My sweet girl could hardly contain herself! The price was ridiculous, but Daddy couldn't deny her. Madeleine did great (with the help of some lollipops and curly fries) and Noelle was in heaven.

I love how it seems that no matter what we do, we find a way to have fun as long as we're together!

Relief

2010-09-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

It's after midnight and I just finished my primary lesson.

And I feel BLESSED.

BLESSED to have a husband who adores me.

BLESSED to have extended family that loves me to pieces.

BLESSED to have a comfortable home, healthy food, and clean water.

BLESSED to have a testimony of God and Jesus Christ.

BLESSED to have healthy children.

BLESSED to have friends that have known me for years and still return my calls.

BLESSED to have listened to a prophets voice.

BLESSED that when we went out afterwards I laughed so hard I almost wet myself.

Things are looking up.

My Madeleine

2010-09-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Madeleine and I both love the time we get

to spend together while Noelle is at school.

She is so precious, not to mention pretty dang funny.

Her vocabulary is exploding, loves to snuggle,

is a great sleeper and still a total foodie.

Yesterday she and I shared the best spinach salad!

Although, she must have texture issues because

most other vegetables get spit out.

She just soaks up all of our quality time.

Here we are at the Botanical Gardens

with no big sister taking my attention.

We washed her bedding and

she was completely fascinated.

I can still hear her little voice,

"My pee-wow! My pee-wow!"

(pillow)

Fun times at the park!

Trying to get up the courage to go

down that really big slide.

I feel more than blessed that I get to

be Madeleine & Noelle's Mommy.

We have our moments but

most times I just can't believe I get to

spend every day with these angels.

Several times lately I've met been asked what I do

for a living and I was love being able to

say that I get to stay home with our kids.

And their reactions were fantastic,

"Oh, that's so wonderful!"

"Good for you!"

"That's the way things should be."

I LOVE IT.

And it's not that my husband makes so

much money and we're able to do it.

It's a sacrifice.

We go without a lot of material things

but it's so worth it.

A Little Backtracking...

2010-09-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here's just a quick review of our California Labor Day trip:

After getting a late start we arrived about 2am Friday morning...

After she woke up Madeleine finally got to spend some
quality time with Lena. She missed her so much.

After Auntie & Unc got home from work they loaded

up and headed off on their weekend adventure.

Camping at Pismo Beach. I was so happy and excited

for her but also sad that she was big enough to leave me.

They had the BEST.TIME.EVER.

Meanwhile, Aaron and I ran around like crazy

seeing people and getting things done.

Dinner with the Lindsays, dinner with Marin,

dinner with my girls. So much dang fun.

Saturday was beach day with Ruthie & Wilde's.

I could have sat there for days and days and not

gotten sick of it one bit. It was perfect.

Sunday after church we hung out with the

Lorenzens for a few hours. We reminisced about

their trip to NM by making Sopapillas.

They were amazing.

We went through and entire jar of her

homemade strawberry jam!

Labor Day was a fun BBQ @ the Meldrums.

Food = yum.

Water = fun.

After food the kids went inside and

played with the Daddies and the girls

sat outside in the fantastic weather and

chatted. Loved it.

(Photo by Heather Keil)

I got to snuggle sweet Naomi Jean who I've been

dying to get my hands on.

Our last night we spent @ Grandmas.

These two girls ran around like crazy getting

so dirty and stinky. They HAD to have a bath.

Auntie M was more than happy to help out.

All the while singing, "At The Car Wash."

We left the next morning. :( Leaving is so painful for me.

I love everyone so much and not having them in my daily

life is difficult. But, each time it hurts a tiny bit less.

That helps, I guess!

Next trip November 4-8...Beach Camping @ Refugio.

Ya-Hoo!

Bad, Bad, Blogger

2010-09-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

I have been so disappointed in my blogging the last 6 months. But, I am turning over a new blogger leaf. This is our family journal and I want our day-to-day documented as much as possible. Not just a flood a pictures once in a while, what a bore!

So, I am making it public, I will be accountable! Stay tuned, friends and loved ones, things will be more entertaining around here.

So, whats the haps? Things are actually pretty boring for us, but in a good way. As I have said believe it or not New Mexico is a really nice place to live. It will never replace California but we continue to feel that living here is an opportunity and a blessing. There is always a lot to do, museums, parks, community events, festivals, so many outdoor activities. Speaking of festivals we cannot wait for the Balloon Festival!

Aaron is doing really, really well at his job. Loves his bosses here (and the lack of politics) but is still adjusting to the much more lax way of doing business in New Mexico. Apparently, they are not desperate to make each dollar like they are in California. Huh? He has been called as the ward Choir director, he's never done this, so there is a lot to learn. They have their first performance on Sunday, yeah!

Noelle is as happy-go-luck as ever. She has started a new ballet class with someone in our ward. They live right around the corner so she rides and we walk. As always she loves, loves, loves school and everything about it. Nothing brings my girl more joy than getting on that bus, her bus drivers is named Jack and he is an interesting soul. She is growing and maturing each day right before my eyes. Some mornings she will even get up and make her own cereal. She pulls the stool around from cupboard to cupboard to refrigerator collecting all she needs to get her meal together. It warms my heart and grieves me all at the same time. I love watching her grow up but miss my baby.

Then there is Ms. Madeleine. Sometimes she makes me want to have 100 more babies just like her and sometimes she makes me sure that I will never, ever do this again! And talk about growing up...Oh Boy. Someone needs to inform her that she is NOT the adult around here, nor, is she in charge. She loves to give five, kisses, hugs, and 'hit the rock.' Madeleine has never been and still not one for toys. So, the majority of her time is spent: walking behind me mimicking all I say and do i.e. getting dressed, wiping up spills(see above), vacuuming, folding clothes, putting on make-up, getting into everything (most often destroying it), and pestering her big sister. Actually, both of them do a lot of pestering. I think it shows how much they love each other.

Lastly, there's me. I just finally got a calling, I team teach the 6-7 year old primary class. It's a big group with two sweet girls and about 10 rowdy boys. So, one week I teach and the other does crowd control and then we switch. I've never been in Primary and I love it, but I do miss Relief Society. I am slowly meeting people in the ward but it is so dang huge and now that school is in the opportunities for interacting during the week are few. After we drop N off at the bus I have some quality time with M and it is so much fun! Then she goes down for her nap and I have a couple hours of pure quiet, it's so great, I feel guilty! I clean, I get dinner prepped, I organize. Yesterday I watched a movie while folding clothes and then collapsed on the couch in a crying fest (My Sister's Keeper) and watched the rest. What a treat! A whole movie in the middle of the day! Who does that?

Life is good, we are blessed, couldn't ask for more.

Lately...

2010-09-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Story time...

My heart soaks up moments like these.

Grandma and Grandpa Jones came to visit!

We had fun doing some projects around the house

and taking in some of New Mexico's beauty.

We got hit with storm on the mountain top

and blue skies followed 5 minutes later.

Little sis woke up while Mama was getting dinner in the oven.

Big sis said she would entertain her for a few minutes.

She chose to take pictures.

Made some seriously yummy after school chocolate-banana shakes.

Evening walks down by the river.

Sometimes we are lucky enough to have company.

So much dang fun that sometimes you just knock out where ever you are.

Weekend In Review

2010-08-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Friday morning before we even got out of our jammies my girls

prepared an excellent meal for their Mommy.

They even set the table!

Then we got ready and took Sis to the bus.

Madeleine and I came home to a snack of yummy toast.

I am loving the quality time with her.

Sorry to say it, but she's so much easier with a sister around pestering her!

Friday was "Feast with the Beasts" at the zoo.

We packed a yummy dinner and headed over.

It's a night for only zoo members, which meant less crowds!

They had music, treats, and all kinds of things for the kiddos.

The animals at night were much more active, too!

Saturday Aaron had a surprise in store.

He wasn't sure how I would feel about it.

His work had an event at the Horse Races.

Uh, what?

Yes, we took our kids to this type of establishment.

It was actually pretty fun.

Noelle loved watching them run

and cheered with the best of 'em.

Sunday has been a great typical day of rest.

Church, lunch & naps, choir.

Rest of the evening spent playing with our girls,

laughing at their silliness and marveling at their imaginations.

Lorenzens 2010

2010-08-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday night my amazing friend Julianna made the trip to visit us. I was so dang excited! The timing was great and horrible. I was so glad to have them here when I was still recovering but I wasn't up to doing everything I wanted. I did my best to rest and keep up.

Wednesday morning we drove back to the Jemez mountains. I thought it was a great way to see a lot of New Mexico in a relatively short distance. First we drove through the reservation and stopped for some Fry bread. We continued up the mountain and stopped at Fenton Lake. It was wonderful. The weather was stunning and the water pretty dang chilly!

We next tried to hike to the hot springs. We didn't think the kids (or I ) could make it but we thought we'd give it a shot. But we were derailed. By a heard of cows. Anyone ever gone for a hike in the mountains and come upon a heard of grazing cows? It was funny & strange. We tried to go around but one of the Mamas let Julianna know in no uncertain terms that we should back off. Everyone had plenty of fun playing in the streams and running through the trees. And my poor Madeleine took such a spill. She was splashing in the water, somehow lost her footing and fell face first down in to the water. Scratched her face so bad. :(

The next morning we took our time with breakfast, Noelle's teacher came by the house for a visit, had lunch, then headed out to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. We saw some neat dancers and learned a lot about the different Indian Pueblos here in New Mexico.

Then we were headed over to the Temple. We took a scenic route through my favorite part of Albuquerque. A great little area that incorporated itself in the 50's. It's called Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. Huge Cottonwood trees, big beautiful homes, little farms, horse property, etc. We saw a sign for an open produce stand and turned right around. Little did we know what kind of treat we were in for! One day I will own this property. A little inn, organic farm, gourmet restaurant, animals, oh gosh. The life I am destined to live. http://www.lospoblanos.com/

And they were so nice to us! Let us play with all the animals, answered our many, many questions. Lucky us showed up when it was time to milk the goat and they let us all have a turn. Yep, I've milked a goat.

Lastly, we made it to the Temple. It was gorgeous.

Julianna had planned on leaving Thursday morning and I could hardly stand the thought.

But, they were having such a good time they stayed another night!
Unfortunately, I was beat. And I mean beat. I'd pushed myself well beyond the limits for two days and although I wanted to do more, I simply could not. The kids were more than happy to just play at home and I laid down for a while. Next thing I knew I was waking up. Then Julianna took the big kids to the $1 theatre and I stayed home with Madeleine.

When they got home we went to Noelle's school for an ice cream social. We loved looking at the campus and checking out her classroom. Lastly, we went to dinner at a local place called Hot Tamales. Yummy, affordable 'New Mexican' mexican food.

There was no shortage of funny faces at the table.

I've left a lot of fun details out, pedicures, yummy homemade meals, board games, Wii, long conversations, so much more.

We loved every single second of their visit and are so grateful they made the effort to come. We can't wait for next time. There was so much we did not get to!

I Love You, Julianna.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Finally...Surgery Day!!!

2010-08-15T20:48:00.001-07:00

The week before the kids were sick and I kept hoping I would stay well. But, a couple days before hand I started to feel horrible and feverish and had a sore throat. I tried to rest, drank water like crazy, fresh squeezed lemons, honey...you name it. Aaron and a friend gave me a blessing the night before and I hoped for the best.

When I woke up my fever was fine but as we were walking out the door I felt it coming on. I was freaking out. Everything was scheduled with my kids and Aaron's days off work. Plus, I could not stand the thought of re-scheduling. I prayed for guidance, popped two ibuprofen and we headed out the door and thought "What will be...will be." Now ibuprofen is bad because is increases bleeding but I am not a bleeder, quite the contrary. What a blessing that it worked out fine.

First, I just have to say how funny Aaron was with the camera. He's not one to remember to take pictures and I did not plan on even taking it but he made me run back into the house to get it. "What about the blog?" he said. Adorable.

Checking in.

IV and adorable gown.

Pretty hat and they roll me out.

See you in a while! I'm off to take one serious nap. :)

And all of the sudden you're done!

Then you're home with an ice-pack wondering who on earth just scrambled your brains.

The doctor called me that night to check in and basically said my sinuses were one hot mess. He could not believe all the polyps and diseased, infected tissue he had to remove. Uck!

The first several days I had a headache and the strangest light-headed weird feeling. Saturday night and Sunday my throat was killllllll-ing me. One look at my tonsils and I was shocked. They were HUGE and covered in gunk. All the infection draining down my throat infecting them. That night I took two Vicodin and the pain still woke me up several times. About day 5 is when the real healing set in and my actual nose really started to hurt. The headaches have been intense and the inside of my nose feels like someone punched it. Hard.

I cannot wait to feel 100% soon. I think I am a pretty tough girl. I thought I'd be further along by now. But I am so grateful. Once in a while I get a faint smell of something and I feel hope!

See another post below!

Jemez Mountains

2010-08-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend before surgery we wanted to do something fun because we knew we would be laying low for a while. Noelle was just getting over a week long fever and it seemed like Madeleine was heating up but we went for it anyway. New Mexico certainly is a desert but it's also an incredibly diverse place. We have so much exploring to do!!!

We drove up to the Jemez Mountains (pronounced Hay-Maas). It's a fun drive because how fast the landscape changes in about 50 miles. First you are in the middle of no where desert...then you hit incredible red rocks...then you are in the forest. The little town is really neat with several B&B's and a bath house from the 1800's.

We wanted to scout out some camping spots, the hot springs, and Jemez Falls.

We got out at a newly renovated campground and heard distant thunder. Aaron though we should get back because that weather would be here in no less than 5 minutes. I old him in nice terms to not be such a baby and assured him the second we felt a rain drop we'd be back in the car. Suddenly we heard what sounded like the earth shattering and down came the rain. We grabbed our kids and ran as fast as we could to the nearest bathroom overhang. Poor Noelle did not feel well and was already whining to go home (which she never, ever does) and this just sent her over the edge. After about 15 minutes it died down enough to run to the car.

Next we saw a sign for a lake and decided to check it out.
Beautiful!
We didn't make the hot springs or falls...too far of a walk for our sickie girls.

On our way back we stopped at check out Soda Falls.
(a hot spring that with the rock formations looks like foaming soda!)
and at a stand on the Reservation and bought some fry bread.

Such a great Saturday. Is there anything better than family days?

Summertime Cont...

2010-08-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Splash Park!
We've been here a couple of times and it is FUN!!!

I am so in love with this picture.
I have to admit that it was pure luck.
I just had it on the action setting and viola!

Bowling!

Thursday mornings you can bowl for $2/game.

Noelle has done plenty of bowling but only on the Wii.

She had a dang good time. Madeleine was there too but

she was being the world's biggest pill.

Crying...whining...you know the drill. No pics of that!

Before We Go Forward...

2010-07-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

Please answer this question for me...

What on earth does she do while she naps to accomplish this?

Summertime Sizzle

2010-07-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

We've been trying to do a lot of fun things and really enjoy summertime. Daddy was gone every night last week and I've been feeling especially nostalgic for the hours and hours we've spent with friends at the pool & beach. So, we're doing what we can to stay really busy.

And summertime it has been. Like everywhere else it's been screaming hot. To most people's surprise summers are usually quite mild here given the elevation. It's hit 100 degrees a few days in a row setting all kinds of heat records. Sunday night we had a fantastic storm roll through. Thunder, lightening and pouring rain. The cool off felt awesome. Madeleine went crazy with excitement while Noelle kept trying to coax her back in the house. Finally, when it quieted down just a little she joined in the fun.

The heat means we have to spend the middle of the day inside and that means all kinds of messes. Lotions, bread, cortisone cream, you name it. Here are just a few I got on film. My favorite was spilling water everywhere and emptying out every towel and rag to dry it up. At least she was trying, right?

One night Noelle asked if we could have pizza and luckily we had all we needed!

We whipped up some quick rise dough, fired up the oven and went to work. We were able to use a lot of fresh herbs I have growing. YUM!

We decided to make it extra fun buy having a TV picnic. Growing up some of our favorite memories were TV picnic with our Grandma. She would make all sort of yummy finger foods, put down a blanket in front of the TV, and we'd watch a movie while eating. So, we did just that. After pizza we got some ice cream and I let them eat it right out of the container. Eventually, Madeleine decided the spoon was too cumbersome and just used her fat little hand to scoop it up to her mouth.

Stay tuned for more!!

My Biker Girl

2010-07-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

I've been shy with the camera lately.
Nothing major going on.
You know...meals...giggles...dishes...laundry...
bathtime...diapers...snuggles...stories...
The other night Daddy stayed inside with Madeleine

while Noelle and I went outside.
She rode her bike all over the neighborhood while

I walked and walked behind her.
The weather was spectacular and we had the best time together.
Love, Love Love her.

Unfortunately, Motherhood is not always

cool evenings, puffy clouds and bike rides.

But, I am grateful for when it is.

Stuffy

2010-07-10T02:36:00.000-07:00

A stuffy nose... That is what I have had for basically the last year. Sounds innocent enough but it's unbearable! It started with my first ever sinus infection last May. Things got better but never when away completely, and as most Mamas know, you're often the last person who gets taken care of. In the fall I realized I could not smell a thing. As in ZERO smell. Saw a specialist, got things taken care of but after a really bad flu bug at Christmas, it was all back full force.

By then we were moving and I had to start all over. And let me tell you I have been M.I.S.E.R.A.B.L.E. Talk about a quality of life issue. After different medications, lots of allergy testing, a ridiculously large course of antibiotics and finally a CT scan that revealed nothing but bad news. Every single set of sinuses in my head is completely blocked. This means surgery. My first reaction was, "Uh what?" But at this point, if they told me they had to use a stick of dynamite to clear things up I would not be opposed.

Saw the surgeon today and because of the involvement of so many sinuses, particularly small ones by some pretty important parts, he wants to use a hospital that has what is called: Image Guided Surgery. This uses a machine along with special CT scan images during the procedure so the surgeon knows exactly where he is in relation to your specific anatomy. And, of course, the hospitals that have this ability are out-of-network. He is absolutely confident that they will approve it but meanwhile we have to wait. Plus, getting approval from my thyroid doc and a few extra tests because of the Graves.

My answer was, of course, I wanted everything to be done in the safest manner possible but I need some serious relief. NOW. That means steroids which are not a healthy thing. I have done them once already for a week and they did provide significant relief but I am not happy about having to be on them for too long. One side affect, especially in the beginning is insomnia. I've been up since 2:30am. This should get better as the dose gets lower over the next week.

So pray the insurance company does things in a timely manner and we get this taken care of. Can you believe I WANT to smell poopy diapers?

Happy Birthday America!

2010-07-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Even though it felt like everyone in California was getting together for the 4th of July (not to mention missing Naomi's blessing) we still have a super fun holiday.

Saturday morning we went to a ward potluck breakfast at the park. I did not get out my camera because the sprinklers came on and the little kids thought it was funny to turn the heads around so it sprayed all of us and the food! I was not happy about my freshly blow-dried hair getting soaking wet. Grrrr...

Then Daddy took the girls to the mall while I got to go with Tracy & Stephanie to a couple of stores. It was a great break and we had some good laughs.

That afternoon we just hung out at home, made some food and our cake!

Then we headed over to the Hiatt's (Tracy) for dessert and fireworks.

The girls were stunned and slightly freaked out when they first saw them but it took no time for them to warm up. It was a fun night

Sunday after church the Ehat's (Stephanie) had us over for Tri-Tip and games. Super fun, but no pictures. Then they were going to watch fireworks but I felt beat and my kids had missed their bedtime too many nights in a row so we bagged it. All in all, we had a great time and are grateful for the people we are getting to know and the friends we are making!

Up The Mountain We Go!

2010-07-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we packed up a picnic lunch and drove up the mountain.

Can you believe that this is less than an hour drive from our house?

But as you can tell, there was a storm headed our way.

The lightening from up there was breathtaking!

Not the best planning on our part but the adventure was definitely worth it.

These girls thought they were in heaven.

I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck!

Aaron kept assuring me they would be just fine.

My response to him was this:

"The last thing I need to be is on the evening news!"

'New Meico couple devastated because child falls off cliff.'

Finally, enormous raindrops started

falling and we hustled back to the car.

We can't wait to go back.

With Madeleine on some sort of leash, of course!

Road Trip Part 3

2010-06-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

As I always say...better late than never. The last leg of our trip was HOME! YEA!

Our week was jam packed with fun from the minute we got there to the second we left for home. Swimming, beach, parties, a trip to Happy Feet, dinners out, you name it. We loved every second of it!

Jo took us to her favorite restaurant Saddle Peak Lodge. The english language lacks the words to explain this meal. The food, the service, the ambiance and most of all the company. Superb!

The whole evening was just perfect. It's been too long since I felt so content. We sat for what seemed like hours after we finished and just talked and talked. I love these three girls so much and feel so blessed to call them my friends.

Wednesday was Auntie M's 30th birthday. Fuuuuuun! We spent the day at the Santa Monica Pier walking around, playing games, and riding the roller coaster. Noelle thought it was all fun but she wanted the Roller Coaster, NOW! The second her booty hit the seat her arms went up and in the air and she was squealing with delight. Her enthusiasm is amazing.

For dinner that night we went for Koren BBQ and ate ourselves silly.

at the end of dinner, because it was her birthday, the restaurant so kindly gave Marin a 'champagne shower.' She was such a good sport and we all got some seriously good entertainment.

Saturday was the day for her big party. We all headed down to Manhattan Beach and partied our hearts out. So many people and so much fun!

And the food....we owned the food. :)

Sunday was Father's day. After our super late night of fun, we did not make it up in time for church. We could not get ourselves going for the day but Unc took Noelle outside and set up the Slip'n'Slide. Mommy & Daddy even got in on the fun wearing our pajamas!

A tender Father's Day moment. Daddy with his girl.

Road Trip 2010 Part 2

2010-06-20T20:33:00.001-07:00

Monday night we arrived in Rexburg

(Auntie Nicole's wedding, YEA!)

and had a great reunion with Daddy.

Madeleine and Noelle had so much dang fun with their cousins.

They would play hard all day and then crash at night.

Riding the scooters, the swing set, all the doggies,

so many new family members, the list goes on.

Friday night everyone was in town and

Denise had a bachelorette party at her house for Nicole.

Yummy treats, fun games, and pretty lingerie!

Saturday morning was the big day.

She was a stunning bride.

It was such a happy day for all.

Plus, all six Jones siblings were together for the first time in almost 5 years.

Road Trip 2010 Part 1

2010-06-09T12:43:00.003-07:00

Here's our plan:

Friday: Everyone drives from New Mexico to Utah

Monday: Girls drive from Utah to Idaho

Sunday: Daddy flies to Houston - Girls drive back to Utah

Monday: Girls drive to California

Friday: Daddy flies to California

Monday: Everyone drives back to New Mexico

Friday morning we loaded up our car with a lot of stuff and two sleepy girls.

The girls did great and the drive was surprisingly beautiful. The miles passed quickly, the conversation was good and about 4:30 we were so happy to almost be at the Leuck's. Until we were coming around the curve at Solider Summit just outside of Spanish Fork. A man on a motorcycle missed the curve and went over the side of the road. He flew over his handle bars and went head over feet over and over again. It was incredibly frightening. He was not breathing but by the time we got down the steep hill to him he began to take shallow breaths and was talking to us and begging to get up by the time help arrived, almost an hour later. We just pray he had a full recovery.

The minute we arrived Noelle was in full gear and ready to play with her friends. We hung out had a yummy dinner @ Cafe Rio and then we drove Daddy to Salt Lake to meet Grandpa. They drive back to Rexburg together and we stayed with our friends.

Oh, the fun that was had! Playing, yummy food, church, games, movies, and slip 'n' slid.

GOOD TIMES!

Monday afternoon we loaded back up and went over to visit with Julie and her twins. After a few hours we got back in the car and drove from Provo to Rexburg. The girls slept the whole time and I thoroughly enjoyed the peach and quiet. :)

Happy, Happy Birthday Daddy Dear!

2010-06-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Daddy's Birthday was on Thursday and it's safe to say that Noelle

was waaaaaay more excited about it than he was.

The party started Wednesday with the Tim McGraw concert.

This is the only picture that we got because

at the gate they told me I had to take it back to my car. :(

The concert was fun but honestly, forgettable.

Thee next morning Noelle could hardly wait for him to get up.

We started off with a yummy breakfast.

Then Daddy and Noelle spent the afternoon running errands.

We've been wanting to try Five Guys burgers

so we headed there for dinner.

The food was yummy but the fries were not the

BEST EVER like my brother had said.

Then it was cake and presents at home.

Look at all that smoke!

He's sure gettin' old.

We love you so much Daddy...we're very glad you were born. ;)

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

Better late than never, eh?

We had a fantastic Memorial day weekend. I must say our days off are much more different now without all the people we know and our family. Not so crazy with all kinds of commitments and having to decide between activities.

After church on Sunday we BBQ'ed at the park by our house with people from our ward. Everyone was so nice and we had a great time. Madeleine spent the evening stealing food from all the tables. Nothing like walking around knawing on a piece of chicken, huh? The kids played themselves silly, the Moms chatted, and the Dads play a game called 'Cornhole.'

Afterwards we ran home got our kids in jammies and went over to the Hiatts to play games. We stayed up until way too late but it sure was fun!

The next day, I felt like I spent the whole day cooking in the kitchen and then cleaning up. What else is new? We went over the Hiatts again for another BBQ. The kids loved the trampoline and all the little girls just love Madeleine. Her nickname at home is 'Boppie' and it seems that it is sticking because all the little girls love calling her 'Boppie.' And it seems like all Madeleine did was eat cookies. Every time I turned around she had another one. Gotta love that girl!

Sweet Finds...

2010-05-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Things were a little too quiet so I went looking for my girl.

She was under the table eating an otter pop.

Sweet!

We were heading out and I get to the car.

No one else is there.

Back inside the house.

Daddy's in the chair reading to his girls.

Sweet!

Pool Party Fun

2010-05-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Noelle has been going to a fun class for pre-school aged children at the Parks & Rec. Poor girl has been begging to go back to school. They had an end of the year party at the aquatic center. Super Fun! Slides, sprayers,and buckets on poles that randomly dump water.

Noelle was so excited to go before she even came out of her room that morning she had already put on her swim suit. While I was trying to make the sandwiches we signed up to bring for the pot luck lunch, they would not leave me alone.

My solution?

The Vacuum.

Both of them love it and it worked like a charm.

I think it's a great thing that my kids crack me up. :)

Once we made it the Pool, we had a was a blast. We stayed for hours!

My Babies

2010-05-19T19:07:00.001-07:00

After a hectic and somewhat frustrating morning we finally go out.

We ended up at the aquarium/botanical gardens.

The girls were so good and we a wonderful time.

The weather was perfect.

Madeleine stayed in her stroller without complaint.

Noelle listened and stayed right by me.

It is difficult for me to put how I feel about being a mother into words. They are a dream come true. My heart beats for them. They have done nothing but bless my life. I admit, there are times, I think of what life would be like sans children. The clothes! The vacations! The free time! But those thoughts are fleeting and without them life would just plain suck.

Noelle:

She is such a sweet, tender girl. After she wakes up each morning she climbs into bed with me and I rub her back. I cherish these times and hope they never end. I cannot get enough of her endless, positive energy. She makes friends instantly...church...school...the park. She'll walk right up and ask their name and bam...best friends. She loves any and all music but her favorite is hip-hop. She loves the beat. When she hears a song, she immediately knows whether she likes it or not. And she'll memorize it in no time. Her mind is like a steel trap and forgets nothing. Anywhere we go, anything we eat, anything we do...it's locked in for good. Don't make her a promise you can't keep! She loves books and reading is a favorite pass-time. Her mind is a curious one and soaks up information constantly. Lastly, her hero and love of her life is DADDY.

I love her sweet face, soft skin, infectious smile, and happy-go lucky personality.

Madeleine:

Oh, boy. This girl runs me ragged. Her curiosity is insatiable. Toys are for babies, she wants big people stuff (as in everything in the cupboards.) The best thing she has going for her right now (besides her blue eyes) is her facial expressions. They keep me smiling every day. Her favorite word is Mama and it never gets old. Her loves of dogs is not normal but it will be fun to see how long it holds out. Every single part of her body is chubby and I can't get enough of it. Speaking of chubby, let's talk about her love of food. She will eat any & everything. Although, she has no problem spitting certain things right out. The minute she wakes up she is asking for food and it continues all day. My favorite thing? She was born a cuddle bug and still is. I could snuggle her little body all day long.

Her quirky personality, adorable waddle, and tongue that is always hanging out.

I love every inch of her.

California Fun!

2010-05-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Our trip was even more fun that I could have ever imagined.

Here are just a new snippets from our super fun week.

The minute we stepped through the door

Noelle could not wait to get back to the way things used to be.

She wanted her toys, her games and all her stuff.

She had to wait until morning and when morning came...

Let the fun begin!!!

For Mother's Day we met Marin and Todd

at the Ventura Harbor for lunch.

We tried to walk around but the WIND!

It was still beautiful...

When we got home Madeleine and Auntie M had a blast.

This baby girl is addicted to getting dizzy. :)

When that was over she decided to spin herself around.

Lena is Auntie & Unc's dog.

She is the sweetest, most wonderful girl.

Madeleine does as she pleases and she just lays there.

Love her.

There is so much we need (uh...want) for the house.

We went with Julianna to Ikea...

I'm not sure who had more fun us or the kids!

We got to see one of Matthew's flag football games

Noelle thought it was the best.

I thought she was the best cheerleader.

Then, there's my sweet Evynn.

The most darling niece ever.

Then there is Lucas....

Our new nephew.

We fell in love with him.

All of us.

There was so much more but this is all we have.

I can't believe I did not get any pictures of sweet baby Naomi.

Ugh!

Things were just too crazy with so many kids.

We're going back next month, so stay tuned for more!

Goin' Back To Cali

2010-05-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

I had been thinking about making a trip to California for Mothers Day but kept going back & forth. We have several trips coming up over the next month and I had no idea how Madeleine would do in the car. Late Wednesday night I decided to just do it! Packed up our clothes, made a bunch of snacks and Thursday we were off... We showed up on Auntie's doorstep at 11:15pm.

Happy Mothers Day!

It was a priceless moment.

I have lots of pictures to post. It was an amazing week. One of the best decisions I have ever made. The only bad part was coming home (and the fact that we did not get to see everyone.)

Here is one thing Julianna (and Liz) helped me get done. This was my Grandmas and she didn't have use for it any more.

Ta-Da!

Before...

After...

It was my first project like this and I learned several lessons. We've got some re-arranging to do and it will look so cute in Noelle's room!

Good Time Girls

2010-05-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

You know those Jones girls...

they're always prowling around town for a good time.

Here's proof!

We went to the zoo with Savannah, her Mommy, and her two big brothers.

Poor Madeleine, it was torture for her to be in that stroller

but she's too young to do any walking on her own.

Soon!

The Albuquerque zoo was just beautiful.

So much many flowers in bloom and the grounds were so nice.

I was very impressed.

Get this! You get a family pass for the

Zoo, Aquarium & botanical gardens for $79/year.

There's a huge amphitheatre for summer concerts and special events.

There were more animals than I thought, too!

And they were really close up.

The polar bear was awesome, running back & forth, sticking out his tongue.

My favorite was that monkey wearing the t-shirt!

The giraffes even gave us an extensive biology lesson,

but I decided to spare you that photo. :)

Unfortunately, sometimes chores have to come before fun.

Look at Madeleine cleaning the floors for her Mommy!

One of our favorite games:
'Who's under that blanket?!'
They love to see who can get out the fastest.
Madeleine usually wins. Blanket head and all!

We went to on of those Jolly Jump places and had the best time.
Noelle had road rash all over her knees, elbows, and back.
Note: insist she wear pants & a shirt that doesn't ride.
And my little Miss M! NO FEAR.
Hauling her tush up those things was seriously tiring.
If should could have done it alone, no doubt she would have.

My darling ballerina.
She loves her class and Miss Sara is so sweet.

Pool time!
The weather has been nuts, one night it's pool weather
and then all of the sudden it's freezing and
you've got 2 inches of frozen hail in your backyard.

Summer is Otter pop season!
Instead of getting Madeleine her own,
Noelle suggested they just share hers.
It was priceless.

E-Mail to Unc

2010-04-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Noelle likes to send e-mails to Auntie & Unc. This morning she was up before Madeleine and wanted to send one. Normally, she lets me hold her fingers and we type out the keys. Not today! She wanted to do it by herself. Shocking for a pre-schooler, I know.

cake
i love unc noelle
shark eats a little rock
auntie and unc and noelle go to costco
sean shares rocket

Notes:
She insisted her name be on the same line as 'I love unc.'
She had to be pink because she's so pretty and her unc loves her.
Auntie should be pink too because she's very pretty.
Other colors were very thought out and specific to the words for various reason.
Lastly, I need to put a sticker on it! (happy face icon which would not transfer over.)

Beautiful Views

2010-04-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I look, there is beauty.

Beautiful landscape and beautiful faces!

Saturday & Sunday mornings hot air balloons are all around.

Some fly directly over our roof.

I can even hear them from inside when the windows are open.

Then there is this face.

And this face.

Whom is currently obsessed with vacuuming.

You won't hear a single complaint from me!

This is the view of the Sandia Mountain Range from our driveway.

Lastly, this face again from underneath the bathroom sink.

She apparently thinks she's funny or something.

Giggles

2010-04-22T20:20:00.001-07:00

Something that made my girls giggle:

Rio Rancho, (the city we live in) has so many great parks! Today we went with Noelle's new friend, Savannah, to a park a couple miles from our house. This place was full of all sorts of fun climbing, jumping, swinging and playing toys. But, this slide was the clear winner.

Something that made me giggle:

New appliances!!!

Put this one down in the record books folks, because I can assure you these words won't be uttered again from my mouth.

Doing laundry is kind of fun!

Then, there's this baby, It's big and it's beautiful.

My favorite feature? You can program how much water it dispenses at one time. So, no more overflowing when your little one gets her own drink of water. Or when you completely space out.

Grateful

2010-04-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

...That's what I am.

I've been feeling a bit lonesome and completely overwhelmed the last couple of days.
Today was a doozy. Craziness from the minute my feet hit the floor.
So, tonight I am reminding myself of things I am grateful for.

Anne of Green Gables. You read that right! Julianna gave me the first two books before leaving CA because I have never read them! Can you believe it? I just finished the first and I'm in love with Anne. Oh, how I wished I lived in Avonlea!
My husband who picked up all the Q-tips that Madeleine left from one end of the house to the other.
Yummy food. Although, I don't like how it makes my pants feel. :)
Madeleine's adorable faces. You have to spend time with her to know what I am talking about. See her picture on the left side bar? At random intervals throughout the day she climb on your lap or crouch down in order to make eye contact with you and make versions of that silly face. It's beyond priceless.
Prayer.
Forgiveness.
Children's story books.
Listening to my husband sing my baby to sleep.
Sitting down to have dinner as a family. Regardless of the mind numbing craziness that lead up to it.
Noelle's funny mind. Examples: #1 when I picked her up from her class on Sunday she came out showing me her hand, which had a piece of paper taped to it with the emblem CTR drawn on it. I asked her what CTR meant and she very excitedly exclaimed, "Choose The Directions!" It really means: Choose The Right. #2 She loves to get the water ready for her bath. I was cleaning up after dinner and she ran into the kitchen naked as the day she was born and while patting the top of her head asked, "Can you help me with my belly button?" When she really meant to ask, "Can you help me take my hair out?" She has such a zest for life, I think it gets in the way of her brainwaves.

Nuts-O

2010-04-13T07:08:00.001-07:00

That is life for us right now!

Unc came last week and helped us paint the house.
Oh, the craziness!
Driving all over town, making meals on the fly,
naps in the car, wiping noses,
the madness that goes along with house projects.

Friday morning was movers day.
I was up way too early getting things ready,
drove over to the house opened it up for them,
back to the apartment to get Noelle ready for her first ballet class.
Back to Rio Rancho to drop her off and meet up with the movers.

Here she is. Little Ballerina.
My heart could hardly handle it.

I made the mad dash back to the house where this was waiting for me.

I stood there with the world's largest bingo sheet,

marking off each item's number while they hauled my life into our house.

I put these poor guys on hold (again)

and I raced back to get my little ballerina.

Then we broke for lunch. Yum.

Unc was back at the apartment with a napping baby.

What a huge help that was!

I loved spending some time with my girl.

She had the time of her life!

Watching them bring all our 'stuff' out of the crates.

No time was wasted ripping boxes open

and reconnecting with her belongings.

I wasted no time getting the unpacking done.

Yikes.

We worked and worked and then, finally!

Time to pick up Auntie from her late night flight.

We missed her so much all week.

I only took a few pictures of our weekend. :(

Crashed out.

Poor Madeleine coloring on a paper towel

because I couldn't find a coloring book!

Sunday night was our first meal at home.

Good 'ol spaghetti.

Monday evening came and it was time to take them back to the airport.

I wonder how long it will take to get to the point where good-byes don't feel like your insides are being taken out?

We loved every minute of having them here.

We worked, laughed, shopped, and got so very much done.

The house is actually mostly unpacked and live able.

Most of all we just enjoyed seeing each other in person.

We love you Auntie & Unc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lately...

2010-04-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

We've been playing at the park...

Counting down the days until Auntie & Unc come visit!

Celebrated my birthday!

These were the only pictures we took. :(

Marin, Auntie, & Unc sent me these Shari's Berries & Cupcakes.

My, Oh, My!!! They were YUMMY!

My birthday was very low-key.

Aaron got up with the girls and let me stay in bed.

(A little girl snuck away and snuggled me in bed,

that was quite all right!)

He took them out while I got to stay home and

lounge for a couple of hours.

It was heaven.

When they came back to pick me up,

they had gotten my car detailed.

I was thrilled! It was in baaaaaaaaad shape.

The rest of the day was spent running errands for the house, etc.

We had plans to Here for dinner. But the kids were done. So, we got some soup from the deli down the street and ate it on the couch while we watched New Moon. Finally!

Getting static hair while playing on inside toys.

Making Mommy crazy because after she lotioned, diapered

and dressed her for the day, she jumped right back in!

There is more to share! And I will.

There have been lots of requests for more pictures of the house

and I will do that....I promise!

Who Am I?

2010-03-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

Noelle: "Who am I?"

Mommy: "I don't know."

Noelle: "Snow White waiting for her kiss."

Mommy: "Oh no."

Some St. Patty's Day Highlights

2010-03-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

After a breakfast of green pancakes and green scrambled eggs, we got ready to head out for the day. As I was drying my hair Noelle came in and announced she had dressed herself for the day.

After we were finished (for real) we headed out.

It was a gorgeous day.

This little girl cracks me up, 95% of the time

her tongue is hanging out of her mouth.

(That comes from my side of the family.)

After we ran our errands and had lunch,

I had to take care of a situation.

A Jelly Belly thief!

She made sure to get my attention before she ran off with her loot.

She ultimately decided hiding by the couch would be best.

Then she brought them out for the whole family to share.

Daddy got home early and decided to

take us on a walk to get smoothies.
We went to Keva Juice (like Jamba.) Good times.

This is a partial mountain view from our apartment.
The whole thing is breathtaking.

Noelle has been begging to go to the 'hot pool' since we got here but it's been under repair.
We checked it out on our way home and it was hot so we ran back upstairs and suited up.
No pictures of all the fun. :(

Comical moment: Last summer when she would jump into the pool I taught her to say "Cow-a-bunga!" When we walked into the pool area she said, "I don't see any stairs into the cold pool, I guess you can only do Cow-la-bunga!" So stinkin' funny.

After baths, we put Madeleine to bed, and let Noelle stay up. We ditched the corned beef & cabbage in the crock pot. Instead, we ate Golden Grahams and & microwave popcorn on our bed while we watched Biggest Loser (i.e. Pounds) on my laptop. Noelle fell asleep half-way through and Daddy scooped her up and took her to bed. I love her life.

New Mexico

2010-03-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

I posted most of these on Facebook, sorry but it's faster!

But here they are again with a little more info.

Family Night @ Chuck E. Cheese's. Can you believe we have NEVER taken Noelle there?

Fun was certainly had by all, but Madeleine had the most out of anyone.

She loved all of it, the noise, the lights, the people.

Watching the snow fall.

We took the train to Santa Fe, just for the fun of it, it's only about 50 miles.

Little Hot Chocolate mouth.

She could not wait for that train to come.

Beautiful church.

We had lunch at this organic Cafe called Pasqual's.

The Kale salad was almost like a religious experience.

Yum. Yum. Extra Yum.

Now onto the house...

This is in the kitchen looking to the left. Dining area.

Yes, you do in fact see: DOUBLE OVENS!

My requirement for moving was that I would get a fantastic kitchen (i.e. lots of counter space with NO GROUT, lots of cupboards, and double ovens. I think my requirement was met.) But now that so many loved ones are so far, who am I going to make wonderful food for? :(

Looking from the door to the backyard into great room/kitchen. Straight back is the front door. When walking through the front door directly to the right are french doors into the office.

Looking from kitchen into great room. The kitchen sinks is also made out of Corian, isn't that great? When you are cutting produce you can just slide it right into the sink.

Master is to the right, two girls rooms & their bathroom to the left.

Fireplace. Now we have a mantle to hang our stockings.

Girls Bathroom...double sinks! How many arguments will be avoided?

Sunday Morning Wake-Up

2010-03-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

First of all, before we get started,

what do you notice about this picture?

Yesterday was yucky daylight savings. Boo! So we let Daddy sleep in for a little while. Then the girls couldn't stand it anymore, they went in and gave him a proper wake up call with all kinds of hugs & kisses. If you're going to get woken up, this has got to be the best way to do it.

They even gave each other hugs & kisses. I love them so much!

Funny, Sweet, Girl

2010-03-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

We went to Santa Fe this weekend (will post later) and there was a beautiful church that I was taking pictures of.

Noelle's face lights up and she turns to me turns to me, "I know! Let's go inside and take a picture of the Book of Mormon!"
While Madeleine naps I turn the TV on to some random channel to make some background noise so that she does not get woken up by the noise in the small apartment. I have no idea what Movie was on this morning but two guys jumped into a body of water. Noelle jumps up points at the TV and says, "They're getting baptized just like Jesus!"

I just love the way her little brain works.

Memories of Good Times Past...

2010-03-07T07:29:00.000-08:00

Bear with me...I will be updating with pictures of our last few days.

Here is our last time at the park. It was perfect.

Here We Are

2010-03-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in our temporary apartment in New Mexico.

I know people are wondering how we are doing.

Aaron loves it, working hard in his new position.
There is much to accomplished and he has jumped in feet first.

Noelle is well, her sleep schedule is a wreck and that makes for some interesting episodes.
She is her happy-go-lucky self, mostly, with some intermittent break downs over the smallest things. I am waiting for her to ask when will this adventure be over and we go back home?

Madeleine is finally walking!
Not full-time but she tottles from place to place and it's adorable.

Me? You want me to honestly answer this question? I'm a wreck.
I miss home more than words can express.
If someone could tell me how to pull off the elephant that has been standing on my chest for the last week, I'd appreciate it!

I would do anything to be able to hop on a plane back to California and return home to my life of: going over to Auntie & Unc's house every other day, being Liz's neighbor, hiking with Jo, afternoons in the park with my girls, dropping Noelle off at Mrs. Andrea's, driving to Santa Clarita so Noelle can play with Jake & Norah while the Mommies chat, scrambling to get to my R.S. meeting, you name it...I want it back.

I know these things take time but I don't want to wait it out.
I want to be happy again.

We found a house and put a deposit down. We'll see if it works out.
I want to be excited about it, it's beautiful. And it's ONE story!
But what fun is doing all this without those I love so much in California?

I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I am so grateful for my blessings.
I have healthy children and a marvelous husband.
Who could ask for more?

I still know this is the right thing for us.
I'm just not that happy about it right now.
All things in time, right? Right?

Could Someone Please Tell Me...

2010-02-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

where this sweet, precious, fat little thing went?

Beach Day

2010-02-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

It's the middle of February and it was the perfect day at the beach.

What more needs to be said?

Loose Ends...

2010-02-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took care of some loose ends.

I had my last appointment with Dr. Tamagna which went well...very short and sweet.

I also saw Dr. Cooper and he is over the moon that we get to move to New Mexico and told me he would come visit.

I asked him if he agreed with Tamagna that I should have my thyroid removed. His responded in his big, booming, brash, New York Jewish accent: "She's a genius. I would do whatever the hell she told me to do."

Fast Forward through some political talk.

Then we got onto Mormons.

Him: "They're really my favorite kind of people. But, I must say I liked them much better before they started suing. When something happened they used to say it was God's will. Now, they just sue like everyone else."

At the end he gave me a big hug and a kiss and told me he would come sit with me at the hospital if I had surgery. My nose started to sting & it was hard for me to talk. As I drove away there was a slight heavy feeling in my chest, farewell to the other man in my life!

Then I got to have one of my favorite things in the world: a haircut! Nothing beats it, your hair all soft and shiny, smelling divine.

I am not looking forward to going through the process of finding replacements for all these people!

Our Week...

2010-02-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some highlights of our busy week, we had something going on every day! We sadly saw Daddy off at the airport for his first week of work in Albuquerque. It was literally painful to see him walk away. Not just because I would miss him so much, but because it means the time to move is coming near.

On to the fun parts of our week!

Noelle has been asking for french fries, so after school I surprised her with lunch at In 'n' Out.

It was yum, yum, extra yum! We even shared a chocolate shake on the way home.

We went to the Huntington Library. I love that place with all my heart. My only complaint? We had to leave! There is so much to see and not enough time. The kids had the best time of anyone, like always.

I got to go out to dinner at Palate with my cousin, Marin. It was unbelievable!

As always, thanks to the world's best babysitters for make it possible.

Friday, we went to Jakey's 4th birthday party. We were a little late but made it just in time for pin the nose on Mickey, Cupcakes, and a serious session of 'freeze dance.' Too much fun!

Then we were off to the airport to pick up Daddy.

Saturday after a day of running errands we went over to Grandma's to celebrate her 82nd birthday. We played together, laughed, ate bar-b-que, and had cupcakes made by Marin. What more could you want? I love this picture of Noelle, I took about 4 of them because she could not take her eyes of the cupcakes.

Then it was Sunday and already time for Daddy to fly back. :(

I was changing M's diaper when Noelle woke up and came in the bed to snuggle with Daddy. While I was getting my camera out a certain someone found some left over snacks in my bag from Disneyland. Nothing like a naked baby eating in bed.

Fun Facts...Trying To Be Positive

2010-02-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

Albuquerque, was founded in 1706 as a Spanish farming community. It was named after a province in Spain, Alburqurque.

Elevation of 5312 feet makes it the highest metropolitan city in America.

6th fastest growing city in America.

Hot Air Balloon Capital of the world, a minimum of 400 hot air balloons from all over the world compete.

Encompasses a metropolitan population of about 500,000.

Within a day's drive are nine national monuments (Aztec Ruins, Bandelier, Capulin Mountain, Salinas, Ft. Union, El Morro, Pecos, White Sands, and Gila Cliff Dwellings), and a national park (Carlsbad Caverns National Park).

The five extinct volcanoes, which appear on the horizon west of Albuquerque, are rare and distinctive landmarks.

Approximately 40% of the uranium reserve in the United States is found in deposits 70 miles west of Albuquerque.

Native Americans have been living in New Mexico for some 20,000 years. The Pueblo, Apache, Comanche, Navajo, and Ute peoples were in the New Mexico region when Spanish settlers arrived in the 1600’s.

On the same desert grounds where today’s space age missiles are tested, ten thousand year old arrowheads have been found. New Mexican history has ranged from arrows to atoms and has embraced Indian, Spanish and Anglo cultures. Few states can claim such a distinctive past.

1/4 of New Mexico is forested, and the state has seven National Forests including the Nation’s largest, the 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest.

Nuclear capital of the United States. Much of the nation's nuclear research program is conducted or supervised here.

Location for the Federal Aviation Air Route Traffic Control Center responsible for air traffic in a five-state area.

The Sandia Mountains at the eastern edge of Albuquerque are the first to be encountered west of the Mississippi River.

Weather
310 days of sunshine, a mild, dry climate and four distinct seasons.

Hi/Lo
47/27 January
54/23 February
61/33 March
70/41 April
79/50 May
89/59 June
92/64 July
89/63 August
82/56 September
71/44 October
57/31 November
48/24 December

Talk

2010-01-31T13:51:00.000-08:00

Noelle gave her first talk in Primary today.

She was so excited and did a GREAT job!

The topic was, "My Heavenly Father Loves Me."

I helped her put it together but she did most of the actual writing.

"I know Heavenly Father loves me because I have so many blessings.

Some of the blessings He has given me are: my friends, my family, Jesus Christ, my house, fruit, Strawberry Shortcake, windows, love, my teacher Mrs. Andrea, and birds.

Another way we can all know that Heavenly Father loves us is by reading the scriptures.

First John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten son into the world, that we might live through him.

I am thankful for all the blessings I have."

Happiest Place On Earth

2010-01-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

Obviously, there are a few things we want to do before we leave California and Disneyland was #1 on my list. We took advantage of the 2-fer tickets, Pricelined ourselves a hotel room and off we went. It was pretty much perfect!

It was a complete surprise for Noelle and she had the time of her life. She went on every ride including Space Mountain & Matterhorn! Pirates of the Caribbean was by far her favorite and Nemo would be second.

Madeleine was such a trooper! She hung out in the stroller, loved the rides, and would fall asleep when she felt like it.

When it was over I cried.

Becuase it was so wonderful and because it was over.

I love California.